The Palgrave Handbook of Zero-Carbon Energy Systems and Energy Transitions provides a comprehensive and authoritative source of information, analysis and recommendations on the multi- and inter-disciplinary subject of zero carbon energy systems. The Handbook will advance thinking and research underlying the on-going energy transition by; covering a wide range of energy technologies and sources (e.g. fossil fuels, renewables, low carbon energy) including investigating the potential of new and alternative technologies and fuel sources and looking at the power, heating/cooling and transport sectors; Looking at varied legal jurisdictions and governance approaches including developing and developed countries and investigating potential new approaches to achieving a zero carbon energy system; Providing a broad range of theoretical and methodological approaches from a range of disciplines; Inclusion of a global range of case studies from Africa, Arctic, Asia, Australasia, Europe, the Middle East, the Americas (Central, North and South) and the Pacific, from the international, national, sub-national to city/community level.

This Handbook is the first volume to comprehensively analyse and problem-solve how to manage the decline of fossil fuels as the world tackles climate change and shifts towards a low-carbon energy transition. The overall findings are straight-forward and unsurprising: although fossil fuels have powered the industrialisation of many nations and improved the lives of hundreds of millions of people, another century dominated by fossil fuels would be disastrous. Fossil fuels and associated greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced to a level that avoids rising temperatures and rising risks in support of a just and sustainable energy transition. Divided into four sections and 25 contributions from global leading experts, the chapters span a wide range of energy technologies and sources including fossil fuels, carbon mitigation options, renewables, low carbon energy, energy storage, electric vehicles and energy sectors (electricity, heat and transport). They cover varied legal jurisdictions and multiple governance approaches encompassing multi- and inter-disciplinary technological, environmental, social, economic, political, legal and policy perspectives with timely case studies from Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, South America and the Pacific. Providing an insightful contribution to the literature and a much-needed synthesis of the field as a whole, this book will have great appeal to decision makers, practitioners, students and scholars in the field of energy transition studies seeking a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities and challenges in managing the decline of fossil fuels.

The Routledge Handbook of Energy Transitions draws upon a unique and multidisciplinary network of experts from around the world to explore the expanding field of energy transitions. This Handbook recognizes that considerable changes are underway or are being developed for the modes in which energy is sourced, delivered, and utilized. Employing a sociotechnical approach that accounts for economics and engineering, as well as more cross-cutting factors, including innovation, policy and planning, and management, the volume considers contemporary ideas and practices that characterize the field. The book explores pressing issues, including choices about infrastructure, the role of food systems and materials, sustainability, and energy democracy. Disruption is a core theme throughout, with the authors examining topics such as digitalization, extreme weather, and COVID-19, along with regional similarities and differences. Overall, the Routledge Handbook of Energy Transitions advances the field of energy transitions by connecting ideas, taking stock of empirical insights, and challenging how we think about the theory and practice of energy systems change. This innovative volume functions as an authoritative roadmap with both regional and global relevance. It will be an essential resource for students, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners researching and working in the fields of energy transitions, planning, environmental management and policy, sustainable business, engineering, science and technology studies, political science, geography, design anthropology, and environmental justice. “With the exception of Chapter 26, no part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilised in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers.” Chapter 26 of this book is freely available as a downloadable Open Access PDF at http://www.taylorfrancis.com under a Creative Commons [Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CC-BY-NC-ND)] 4.0 license.

The world is at a pivotal crossroad in energy choices. There is a strong sense that our use of energy must be more sustainable. Moreover, many also broadly agree that a way must be found to rely increasingly on lower carbon energy sources. However, no single or clear solution exists on the means to carry out such a shift at either a national or international level. Traditional energy planning (when done) has revolved around limited cost projections that often fail to take longer term evidence and interactions of a wider set of factors into account. The good news is that evidence does exist on such change in case studies of different nations shifting toward low-carbon energy approaches. In fact, such shifts can occur quite quickly at times, alongside industrial and societal advance, innovation, and policy learning. These types of insights will be important for informing energy debates and decision-making going forward. Low Carbon Energy Transitions: Turning Points in National Policy and Innovation takes an in-depth look at four energy transitions that have occurred since the global oil crisis of 1973: Brazilian biofuels, Danish wind power, French nuclear power, and Icelandic geothermal energy. With these cases, Dr. Araújo argues that significant nationwide shifts to low-carbon energy can occur in under fifteen years, and that technological complexity is not necessarily a major impediment to such shifts. Dr. Araújo draws on more than five years of research, and interviews with over 120 different scientists, government workers, academics, and members of civil society in completing this study. Low Carbon Energy Transitions is written for for professionals in energy, the environment and policy as well as for students and citizens who are interested in critical decisions about energy sustainability. Technology briefings are provided for each of the major technologies in this book, so that scientific and non-scientific readers can engage in more even discussions about the choices that are involved.

Challenging the assumption that getting to net zero is an unattainable aspiration, Planet Zero Carbon shows that this goal is very much becoming a reality as policy and industry work together. Framed by the onset of increasingly costly climate impacts, the book successfully details how the energy transition is not only affordable, but the technologies and policies associated with a shift to zero carbon are a necessity that we cannot afford to avoid. First looking at a range of credible zero- and low-carbon energy scenarios, the book then goes on to explore the roles of the two primary energy carriers of the 21st century - electricity and hydrogen. Following a comprehensive assessment of the different factors involved, the book then looks in more detail at the various ways new technologies and focused policy is being utilised to decarbonise each sector of the economy, charting where industry is today and what we can expect to occur within approaching decades. Special attention is given to financing the transition, the role of central and development banks as well as the threat of stranded assets. The book concludes with a rounded appraisal of what exit strategies are likely to be implemented by fossil energy companies now that Europe, the United States and China among others are committed to fully decarbonising their economies. Using the latest data, this fascinating and informative book lays bare the realities of our energy system, and the dramatic changes that are now taking place.

The Palgrave Handbook of Natural Gas and Global Energy Transitions provides an in-depth and authoritative examination of the transformative implications of the ongoing global energy transitions for natural gas markets across the world. With case studies from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, South America, Australia, and the Middle East, the volume introduces readers to the latest legal, policy, technological, and fiscal innovations in natural gas markets in response to ongoing global energy transitions. It outlines the risk mitigation strategies and contractual techniques — focusing on resilience planning, low-carbon business models, green procurement, climate-smart infrastructure development, accountability, gender justice, and other sustainability safeguards — that are required to maximize the full value of natural gas as a catalyst for a just and equitable energy transition and for energy security across the world. Written in an accessible style, this book outlines the guiding principles for a responsible and low-carbon approach to the design, financing, and implementation of natural gas development and commercialization. It is an indispensable text and reference work for students, scholars, practitioners, and stakeholders in natural gas, energy, infrastructure, and environmental investments and projects.

The Research Handbook on EU Competition Law and the Energy Transition comprehensively analyses key topics in the field, covering both traditional and emerging antitrust, state aid, and policy issues related to energy transformation, increased sustainability goals and the functioning of European energy markets.

An original contribution to our understanding of a phenomenon that is reshaping the world, this title thoroughly discusses the transformation of the energy security policy arena brought on by two dramatic developments – the increased potential availability of energy in many parts of the world on the supply side, and on the demand side increasing concerns over the harmful effects on the environment brought on by the use of fossil fuels. An in depth discussion specifically focuses on what energy security means to different countries, and examines which of those countries appear to be managing their energy/climate transitions successfully and which are having a more difficult time adapting to the new environment. Part 1 introduces the topic, covering the main themes and provides an overview of the chapters Part 2 provides a framework for policy evaluation, considering the evolving factors affecting energy security and the energy/climate policy trilemma Parts 3 to 6 discuss energy transitions in the carbon producing countries (Saudi Arabia, Canada, Iran, Russia, Mexico), in intermediate carbon/producing/consuming countries (China, United States, UK, Brazil, Argentina, South Africa), in carbon consuming countries (Germany, Japan, South Korea, Israel, India, Spain) and finally in carbon reduction countries (France, Denmark, Switzerland) Part 7 looks at attempts at regional/international cooperation Part 8 considers the prospects for the future, examining technological breakthroughs. This title builds on the theme of unfolding energy transformations driven by, but increasingly constrained by climate/environmental considerations. It is ideal for researchers and students in the areas of environmental politics and policy, climate change, and energy and climate security, as well as for academics and professionals.

Energy justice is one of the most critical, and yet least developed, concepts associated with sustainability. Much has been written about the sustainability of low-carbon energy systems and policies - with an emphasis on environmental, economic and geopolitical issues. However, less attention has been directed at the social and equity implications of these dynamic relations between energy and low-carbon objectives - the complexity of injustice associated with whole energy systems (from extractive industries, through to consumption and waste) that transcend national boundaries and the social, political-economic and material processes driving the experience of energy injustice and vulnerability. Drawing on a substantial body of original research from an international collaboration of experts this unique collection addresses energy poverty, just innovation, aesthetic justice and the justice implications of low-carbon energy systems and technologies. The book offers new thinking on how interactions between climate change, energy policy, and equity and social justice can be understood and develops a critical agenda for energy justice research.

Presenting cutting-edge research on the future of energy geopolitics, this visionary and provocative Research Agenda takes a hard look at the pressing issues faced by energy researchers in the new world (dis)order. This title contains one or more Open Access chapters.